Electron Shuttle Rectifier for Low Power Density Signal Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rectennas face inefficiencies in converting low power density electromagnetic signals to useful electrical power due to high forward bias voltages and junction capacitance, which limits their ability to operate effectively at high speeds and extract power from low power density signals.
Innovation Solution
A rectifier using an electron shuttle with elastically mounted conducting elements that operate in a vibratory mode to facilitate electron transfer between conductors, allowing for high-speed operation and low energy loss, enabling efficient rectification of low power density signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If standard junction semiconductors (pn diodes) are used for rectification, then rectification function is achieved, but forward bias voltage is high causing power loss and limiting operation with low power density signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the standard semiconductor junction rectification mechanism with a mechanical electron shuttle system. The conducting element physically shuttles back and forth between the first and second conductors, mechanically transferring electrons rather than relying on semiconductor junction properties. This mechanical substitution eliminates the high forward bias voltage requirement and associated power losses of traditional pn diodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The conducting element is designed to dynamically oscillate between two positions (first and second conductors) in response to the AC signal. This dynamic shuttling motion allows the system to rectify low power density signals by accumulating charge transfer over multiple oscillation cycles, rather than requiring high instantaneous voltage to overcome a junction barrier.
2Speed
If standard junction diodes are used for light frequency electromagnetic signals, then rectification is achieved, but junction capacitance prevents high-speed operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the semiconductor junction structure with a mechanical electron shuttle system. This substitution eliminates the junction capacitance inherent in semiconductor diodes that limits high-frequency operation. The mechanical system can respond to light frequency signals because it lacks the capacitive effects that slow down traditional semiconductor rectifiers.
3Productivity
If elastically mounted conducting elements are used for electron shuttling, then high-speed operation and low energy loss are achieved, but device structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an elastically mounted conducting element that can flexibly deform to shuttle between conductors. This flexible structure, rather than a rigid mechanical component, reduces overall device complexity while enabling the required shuttling motion. The elastic mounting allows the conducting element to respond dynamically to AC signals with minimal structural complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The electron shuttle rectifier achieves improved rectenna performance by enabling efficient conversion of low power density signals to DC power with reduced energy loss, suitable for high-frequency operation and nanoscale devices.
Implementation Method 1
at least two elastically mounted conducting elements positioned within the gap, each to permit shuttling of electrons between each other and at least one of the first and second electrical conductors with vibration of the two elastically mounted conducting elements
Implementation Method 2
elastically mounted conducting elements positioned within the gap, each to permit shuttling of electrons between each other and at least one of the first and second electrical conductors with vibration of the two elastically mounted conducting elements
Data Source
AI summary
A nanoscale electron shuttle with two elastically mounted conductors positioned within a gap between conductors produces asymmetrical electron conduction between the conductors when the conductors receive an AC signal to provide for rectification, detection and/or power harvesting.